Jharkhand: 5 thalassemia-affected children test HIV positive after blood transfusion; 3 officials suspended, probe ordered

Chaibasa (Jharkhand) [India], October 26 (ANI): In a shocking incident, five children suffering from thalassemia contracted HIV after being administered infected blood during transfusions at a hospital in Jharkhand's Chaibasa, prompting the State government to order a high-level investigation and suspend several officials.
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari said the issue came to light two days ago and termed it an "extremely serious" matter.
"The matter of possible HIV infection through blood transfusion in children suffering from thalassemia is extremely serious. Two days ago, this issue came to my attention, after which I immediately ordered a high-level investigation," the minister said in a statement on social media platform X today.
The Minister said that a "preliminary confirmation of HIV infection" was found in one thalassemia-affected child during the inquiry.

"Taking swift action in this grave matter, the Civil Surgeon of Chaibasa, the doctor in charge of the HIV unit at Sadar Hospital and the concerned technician have all been suspended with immediate effect," he wrote.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each of the affected families, along with free treatment for the children suffering from the infection. "Following reports of HIV-infected blood being transfused to children suffering from Thalassemia in Chaibasa, instructions have been given to suspend the West Singhbhum Civil Surgeon and other concerned officials," Hemant Soren said in a post on X.

चाईबासा में थैलेसीमिया पीड़ित बच्चों को एचआईवी संक्रमित खून चढ़ाने की सूचना पर पश्चिमी सिंहभूम सिविल सर्जन समेत अन्य संबंधित पदाधिकारियों को निलंबित करने का निर्देश दिया है।
पीड़ित बच्चों के परिवारों को 2-2 लाख रूपये की सहायता राशि राज्य सरकार द्वारा प्रदान की जाएगी तथा संक्रमित…

— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) October 26, 2025

Further, Chief Minister Soren said in his post in Hindi on X, "The Health Department should conduct an audit of all blood banks located in the state and submit the report within five days. Lax arrangements in the health process will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Health Minister Shri @IrfanAnsariMLA should take cognizance.

The State Heath Minister Ansari added that a high-level inquiry committee has been formed to probe the incident in detail.

थैलेसीमिया से पीड़ित बच्चों में ब्लड ट्रांसफ्यूजन के माध्यम से एचआईवी संक्रमण की आशंका का मामला अत्यंत गंभीर है।

दो दिन पूर्व यह मामला मेरे संज्ञान में आया था, जिसके बाद मैंने तत्काल उच्च स्तरीय जांच के आदेश दिए। जांच के क्रम में एक थैलेसीमिया पीड़ित बच्चे में एचआईवी संक्रमण की…

— Dr. Irfan Ansari (@IrfanAnsariMLA) October 26, 2025

"I have constituted a high-level inquiry committee and directed it to submit a complete investigation report within one week. I have also clearly instructed that the investigation must determine whether the blood supply came from the blood bank or from outside sources," he said.
The State Health Minister noted that HIV infection cannot always be detected immediately, especially if blood is collected during the window period.
"It should also be noted that full confirmation of HIV infection takes about four weeks. If the blood of an infected person is transfused during the window period, such an infection can occur," he stated.
Ansari further said that CM Hemant Soren has taken cognizance of the matter and that the government would not tolerate any negligence involving children's health.
"Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren Ji has been informed about the entire incident. He has personally taken cognizance of the matter and given instructions for strict and immediate action. Children are most precious to all of us. Any kind of negligence related to their health and life will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Strict and swift action will be ensured against those found guilty," Ansari wrote. (ANI)